"Good consultancy team but nurses were not caring"

Prior to being admitted to hospital for a total hysterectomy I could not have wished for a better consultant and team, the way they treated me was exceptional going through the procedure and making me feel at ease with the operation and post recovery which was very welcome as I had never been an in patient before in my 60 years.

On my admission I was met by my consultant who was to preform the operation who again made me feel at ease, even the pre operation team administering the anaesthetic were brilliant explaining everything that would happen and the porters who took me down for the operation were great.

Unfortunately the aftercare on the ward was not what I consider to be caring nursing staff. The only contact from them was to carry out the duties you would expect after an operation, blood pressure, temperature, drug control etc. , conversation was kept to a minimum. The day after my operation the nil from mouth sign was not taken away from my bed even though I was fleetingly told I could have something to eat, when the porters came around with the trolley I was totally ignored and even though I tried to catch his attention the nurses directly opposite my bed ignored me and carried on chatting (the person opposite even though free of drips and laughing and joking was obviously more important).

The cleaning staff saw this and it was they who got me something to eat. When they eventually got me out of bed I was sat in a seat in the gown I had my operation in, when I asked if I could get changed it was insinuated I was competing with the same person they were laughing and joking with previously, I was becoming not very amused at this time. The consultants doctors came and advised me I could leave hospital and explained everything I could and couldn't do and what complications to look out for. When I left the ward I was not seen by one member of nursing staff, the only staff on the ward were two people behind the ward reception desk who just about managed to raise a smile and allowed me to walk out they didn't bother to say a word or did I need any help getting from the ward to the car, I walked out of the ward without seeing or speaking to anyone.

So well done consultants, as far as aftercare and nursing staff are concerned if getting your wage packet at the end of the month is more important than caring for people I suggest you get a job at a supermarket and leave people who really care about the nursing profession to care for the patients as they should be cared for.

Responses

Thank you for your feedback which has been shared with the senior nursing team on the ward. They were very disappointed to read the comments and it would appear that their normal high standards of nursing care do not appear to have been met on this occasion.

They apologise and would welcome the opportunity to discuss your experience further should you wish to. If so, please contact our Patient Advice and Liaison Service on 01603 289036.